CREDIT: COLLINS CRIME CLUB (MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS), RUNNING PRESS (YOU ARE A BADASS)
The holiday break is a great time to try to relax and pick up a new book to read. With many to choose from, this article may help you decided what kind of adventure you're ready to dive into.

The holidays are fast approaching and that means one thing: time to cozy up with a hot cup of tea and a great book. Entering bookstores can sometimes be a little overwhelming, since there is usually a ton of choice and it can be hard to find what it is that you're looking for. Here are some ideas for the hottest holiday reads and gifts that your loved ones will be sure to love.

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie - $18.50 - This is the perfect book for your suspense-loving loved one. It is sure to be a hot topic this coming season, as the movie of the same title has recently hit theatres. With a group of passengers trying to solve a murder while aboard a train, this is sure to have lots of twists and turns.

You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero - $18.50 - Do you have a friend that needs a little confidence boost this holiday season? This self-help book has been praised for its ability to give readers realistic advice on how to pursue their dreams and ingrain in readers the idea that they are capable of anything.

Nine Lessons I Learned From my Father by Murray Howe - $29.95 - Written by son of late hockey legend Gordie Howe, this memoir is sure to pull at the heartstrings. After his father's passing, it was up to Murray to try and put into words what his father meant to him and some of the lessons that he passed along the way. Whether you're shopping for a hockey fan or not, this is sure to take readers on an emotional journey.

I was able to take a little walk around downtown London to see which shops were out there and what kind of items they had available. Since the majority of the shops downtown operate on a buyand-sell-basis, it is unlikely for them to carry some of the newer books which were listed above, and if they did there is usually only one or two copies available. I visited the Chapters on Wellington first, for pricing, since I know that they keep their stock updated and have many copies.

The first independent shop that I visited was Attic Books (located at 240 Dundas St). This shop was very easy to maneuver, with aisles being clearly labeled and easy to walk through. Although they might not have had the newest books in stock, I noticed that they had collectables, such as the whole A Series of Unfortunate Events box set and a collector's copy of Alice in Wonderland.

The second place that I went downtown was City Lights Bookshop (located at 356 Richmond St). Although more chaotic than the first, this place had a plethora of product, which includes movies as well. I would suggest going here if you have a lot of time to spare, and if you do, I'm sure you will be able to find a gift perfectly tailored to who you're looking for.